Few things are more frustrating than a dishwasher that refuses to start—especially when you’re staring down a pile of dirty dishes. Fortunately, there are several common issues that could be causing the problem, many of which you can check yourself before calling in the pros.
If your dishwasher won’t start, this guide will walk you through simple dishwasher troubleshooting steps to help identify the problem. And if you need expert help, Santana’s Appliance Repair is your go-to for fast, reliable dishwasher repair across Central Texas, including Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, and the greater Austin area.
Schedule a diagnostic visit from the Santana team.
- Check the Power Source
Before assuming something’s broken, make sure your dishwasher is getting power.- Is it plugged in? It sounds obvious, but sometimes the plug can come loose, especially if the outlet is behind the appliance.
- Check the breaker: A tripped circuit breaker can silently cut power to your dishwasher. Flip it off and on again to reset.
- Test the outlet: Plug in another small appliance (like a toaster) to ensure the outlet is functioning.
If there’s no power at the outlet or the breaker keeps tripping, you may need an electrician. Otherwise, it could be an internal electrical issue, which is best left to an appliance technician or licensed repair professional.
- Inspect the Door Latch
Dishwashers are designed not to start unless the door is properly latched. If the latch is broken or misaligned, the dishwasher won’t receive the signal to begin the cycle.
- Check for visible damage: Inspect the latch and strike plate to ensure they’re aligned and locking correctly.
- Listen for the click:When closing the door, you should hear a clear “click” indicating it’s latched.
- Don’t force it: If the latch feels stuck or flimsy, call a technician for a replacement part.
At Santana’s Appliance Repair, our team offers dependable dishwasher service in Cedar Park and surrounding areas, and we can replace faulty latches quickly.
- Look at the Control Panel
Sometimes the issue lies with the control panel, especially if it’s unresponsive or flashing error lights.
- Reset the dishwasher:Unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker for 5 minutes to reset the control board.
- Check for error codes: Many dishwashers flash lights or display codes to indicate specific issues. Check your user manual to interpret them.
- Control lock enabled? Some models have a child lock or control lock feature that prevents the dishwasher from starting. Look for a small padlock icon and hold the corresponding button to disable it.
If resetting the panel doesn’t fix the issue, the control board might need replacement. A qualified appliance repair technician can diagnose and fix it safely.
- Test the Water Supply
Dishwashers need a steady flow of hot water to start and complete a cycle. If the water supply is blocked or off, it can prevent the dishwasher from running.
- Check the water valve:Locate the water shutoff valve under your sink and ensure it’s fully open.
- Inspect the inlet hose:Look for kinks, clogs, or damage in the hose that connects your dishwasher to the water supply.
- Check the float switch: This small plastic dome inside the dishwasher prevents overflow. If stuck in the “up” position, it may falsely signal the machine is full and prevent startup.
If your dishwasher isn’t filling or starts but shuts off quickly, it may be a float or valve issue that requires professional dishwasher repair.
- Assess the Timer or Motor
More complex mechanical issues—like a faulty timer or motor—can also prevent your dishwasher from starting. These parts are not typically DIY-friendly and should be handled by a certified technician.
- Humming but not starting?A hum could indicate a stuck motor or broken pump.
- Completely silent?It might be a faulty timer or blown fuse inside the machine.
For issues like these, it’s best to call a local expert. If you’re in need of a Georgetown appliance technician or appliance repair in Austin, Santana’s Appliance Repair is just a call away.
When to Call the Pros
If you’ve run through the basic dishwasher troubleshooting steps and your unit still won’t start, it’s time to call in a professional. Attempting to take apart your dishwasher without proper training can lead to further damage or even void your warranty.
Santana’s Appliance Repair provides trusted, local service in Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, and across the Austin metro area. Whether it’s a worn-out latch, a failed control board, or a broken motor, our experienced team will get your dishwasher back up and running in no time.
Final Thoughts
A dishwasher that won’t start is more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your entire kitchen routine. Luckily, with a few simple checks, you may be able to solve the problem yourself. If not, you can count on Santana’s Appliance Repair for expert dishwasher repair and prompt service throughout Central Texas.
Need help now? Contact us today to schedule a visit from a trusted local technician.